Los Angeles, California
I know Los Angeles can be a tempting destination, especially because of the beautiful weather and top-rated health care. However, there’s more to the City of Angels than initially meets the eye, and it won’t take too much to convince you of that.
First and foremost, the cost of living there is absolutely horrible, especially for retirees. For instance, you might find a one-bedroom apartment in the downtown area for $2,000.
Moreover, California has the highest sales tax in the whole country, and it’s also worth mentioning that Los Angeles has continuous issues with droughts and wildfires. This makes it the worst place to retire.
You might want to read more about your options. If that’s so, then I deeply recommend you read “Where to Retire: America’s Best & Most Affordable Places (Choose Retirement Series)”. You can find it on Amazon.
If you enjoyed reading this article, then we also recommend reading: 6 Most Inexpensive Beach Houses for Seniors in America
22 Responses
The only thing in this article thats true about Memphis is that it is a dangerous place. There are some outstanding hospitals in Memphis. Storms in Memphis are no worse than almost any southern city. Whoever wrote this article doesn’t like Memphis
Probably right about that
I have lived in Memphis for 50 years. I have yet to see a tornado actually hit the city. Some areas, I stay out of, but most cities have such places. Cost of living, activities, and other amenities are good. I have no complaints.
Hospitals for gunshot victims
The hospitals that have closed are in small towns, generally due to lack of the money needed to run them. Memphis has a very good system, including St Jude Children’s Research Center, Methodist Hospitals, Baptist Hospitals, and the Elvis Presley Trauma Center.
I have seen a couple bad storms but have not seen a single tornado hit the city in the 50 years I have lived here. Weather here is better than average, but it does get hot during the summer.
Crime is a problem like many cities, but staying away from a couple areas takes care of most of the problem, as it does in most larger cities. Pay attention to your surroundings!!
Cost of living here is well below national average. Tennessee has no state income tax!
Hi George. Your feedback is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing what you know.
The Seattle opinion is screwy, too. The city’s weather is NOT getting worse. That’s absurd. And it doesn’t rain “non-stop”. There are months when it rains almost every day, and months when it doesn’t rain much, or even at all.
Seattle’s worst issues are now crime and traffic if close to downtown, and expense everywhere.
Thank you for letting us know Leon! We always appreciate hearing from our readers.
Agree.
What do the colors represent?
LOL, Blizzards in NYC?? I lived here for 63 years, it’s been a hot minute since we’ve seen a true blizzard. Yes it does get hot in t he summer but I don’t know of one person that stops because of the heat. And with other places like Arizona and Texas reaching triple digits consistently, there are definitely worse places
Hi Eliza. Thank you for clarifying. We always appreciate hearing from our readers!
Who wrote this article…I’m 70 live in NYC and anywhere you live that has seasons you’re going to possibly get a blizzard or a heatwave, we haven’t had real snow in years in the city …I’ve lived here all my life so my rent is no that expensive…but to move here to retire from somewhere less expensive would be challenging.
Hey Jane. Thank you for letting us know.
Crime, especially against seniors is a big thing for me and there is no mention of it. These days it’s a big part of life.
Hello Kate. Thank you for your feedback and we are so sorry to hear about your experiences. We’ll be sure to consider this in our future posts.
I have traveled all over the world and the US, the only place I would retire is New York City. There is more to do and see here in NYC than any other place in the US, something new and different day
Hello Charles! Thank you so much for your input!
I retired in 2018 and left CA to live in Honolulu, Hawaii. Yes, cost of living is high, but gas at Costco is reasonable compare to the gas prices in CA. I enjoy the weather year round and I have made great friends. Also, federal pensions and Social Security benefits are exempt from State income taxes.
New York City average dent price is like $3500.00 I live 65 miles northwest of the city I’m retired and the rents are heading towards $2500 because everyone is moving here
Juneau, Alaska??? I was raised in Alaska, and Juneau is the most beautiful capitol in a backdrop of the most glorious mountains and forests you’ve ever seen. Great fisheries and wildlife. There’s no state income tax. If you don’t mind cold weather, you’ll love it. The only drawback is that you have to fly in or take a ferry to get in and out.
Wow, Juneau sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with our readers.